iOS 11.3: New features and changes

Apple has just released iOS 11.3, the next major software update to iOS 11, to the public following two months of testing. Like any other iOS updates, iOS 11.3 comes with bug fixes, improvements as well as new features.

iOS 11.3 is now available for all iPhone and iPad users worldwide. In the section below, we have compiled a list of the best features in iOS 11.3 for your iPhone and iPad. Before we get started, you can get iOS 11.3 over the air by heading to Settings > General > Software Update.

6 new features in iOS 11.3 update

Battery health

With iOS 11.3, Apple is finally bringing its Battery Health feature. Apple says that the feature only hits older iPhone models, like iPhone 7, iPhone 7 Plus, and iPhone 6s Plus. Apple’s move aims to help users better manage their batteries following reports of old iPhone being slowed down.

To access Battery Health feature, you simply need to head to Settings, then tap Battery and select Battery Health section. Once you are in, you will be presented by two options including Maximum Capacity and Peak Performance Capability.

You will see a blue Disable button under the Peak Performance Capability section. Simply hit that button to turn off the power management feature.

ARKit 1.5

Apple’s ARKit was first announced back at WWDC 2017 and received mostly positive reviews from tech experts, paving the way for AR features on the iPhone X. Apple’s ARKit allows iOS users to visualize AR objects, but there is still something missing.

With iOS 11.3 update, Apple’s ARKit now can recognize vertical spaces and surfaces. Besides, you can also spice up your AR experience, thanks to ARKit’s ability to recognize posters and signs. The coolest part is that ARKit now supports Full HD (1080p).

New Animoji

Animoji is one of the highlights of iPhone X, allowing users to created animated scan of their face. Apple has been working on improving Animoji feature since the launch day in an attempt to take on Samsung’s AR emoji.

iOS 11.3 software update is making your Animoji experience much joyful, thanks to four new Animoji characters including dragon, skull, bear, and lion.

Health Records

The Health app in iOS is getting better and better every year, allowing users to better control their health. Last year, Apple added new diabetes management features to the Health app along with new Activity categories.

In iOS 11.3, the Health app receives the new Health Records feature. As the name implies, the feature gathers all of your health records in one place. Apple says that all your records will be protected with a passcode and accessible across all Apple devices.

However, the feature is only available in the US, and there is no word on a wider rollout. According to Apple, Health Records now supports a number of hospitals and medical institutes in the US, with more to come.

Videos in Apple Music

Apple Music ranks among the most used music streaming services on the market. Apple’s music service now has nearly 40 million paying subscribers only two years after launch. Apple keeps improving Apple Music since the launch day in an attempt to compete with Spotify which now has more than 70 million paying subscribers.

With iOS 11.3, Apple Music introduces a dedicated section for viewing videos. This comes in handy for those who frequently watch videos on their iPhone. The coolest part is that videos runs smoothly without any ads.

Emergency calls update

Emergency Call button has been an essential part of iOS since the day one, allowing you to quickly call authorities in case of an emergency without having to enter a PIN or lock pattern. iOS 11.3 introduces a small but useful update to Emergency Calls.

Pressing the Emergency Call button now not only calls emergency services, but also sends your current location to the authorities. However, the feature only woks in select markets including United Kingdom, Lithuania, Iceland, New Zealand, and Estonia.